Congressman Schiff Reintroduces Legislation to Deter the People’s Republic of China (PRC) From Supporting Russia’s War on Ukraine
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) re-introduced the Deter PRC Support to the Russian War Effort Act. This legislation will give the Biden administration explicit authority to sanction any PRC entity or person that knowingly provides Russia support for the war they are waging in Ukraine or assists in the evasion of sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies with respect to Russia.
The Deter PRC Support to the Russian War Effort Act would impose serious costs on those who assist Russia in waging its bloody war on Ukraine, an increasing concern as China takes escalatory steps to back Kremlin forces. The PRC still refuses to condemn Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion, and declined to join 141 UN Member States in calling for an end to the war on the eve of its anniversary.
“The increased coordination between China and Russia as Putin enters a second year of war against Ukraine is cause for alarm. By passing legislation that authorizes the Biden administration to enact sanctions, we can ensure we are ready to place swift and severe financial consequences on any Chinese entity that knowingly tries to aid Russia either by supplying deadly weaponry that will be used in Ukraine or by helping Russia evade the sanctions imposed by the international community,” said Schiff.
In May of 2022, shortly after Russia launched its assault on Ukraine, China resumed military drills with Russia. There is also public evidence of the PRC sending more raw materials and equipment, including those that could be used for offensive purposes in the war, to Russia in recent months.
As the PRC continues to engage in behavior that flouts the rules-based international order, it is critical that the Biden administration have all tools available for them to deter aggression and limit any available avenues that will help Russia advance its war efforts.
Schiff previously introduced this legislation in the 117th Congress.
The bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Betty McCollum (MN-4), Mike Quigley (IL-5), Dina Titus (NV-1), Dan Kildee (MI-8), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Ed Case (HI-1), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-8), Susan Wild (PA-7), Jason Crow (CO-6), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Dean Phillips (MN-3), Jill Tokuda (HI-2).
To read the full bill text, click here.
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